PUC raises funding cap for water recycling projects

SINGAPORE: National water agency PUB is raising its funding cap for water recycling projects under the Water Efficiency Fund WEF from S $1 million US $739,530 to S $5 million from July 1, as part of its continuing efforts to drive water conservation efforts and promote sustainable water management practices in the non-domestic sector.

The non-domestic sector encompasses all water uses other than households, such as industries, commercial offices and retail premises, according to PUB.

Besides increasing the funding cap for water recycling projects, PUB will also increase the funding cap for the Industrial Water Solutions Demonstration Fund (IWSDF) from S $4 million to S $5 million, the agency said in a press release.

PUB said it will also increase the co-funding ratio for water efficiency assessments and pilot studies from 50 percent to 70 percent to support businesses as they embark on their water conservation journey.

The pilot studies funding cap will be increased from S $50,000 to S $150,000.

This will benefit smaller businesses and businesses in less water-intensive sectors, PUB said.

The changes were announced at the Singapore International Water Week Spotlight 2023 event by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu.

Since 2007, the WEF has been providing funding for companies to implement water recycling, develop cutting-edge technologies for water conservation, and conduct studies to find water-saving opportunities in their operations.

As of today, 375 applications have received grants of varying amounts from PUB, which would result in water savings of more than 70 million litres a day, the agency said.

Singapore's water resources are also being tested for the impact of climate change.

With ever-changing water demands, it is essential for businesses and industries to prioritise water efficiency and embrace sustainable water management practices, to ensure a sustainable and robust water supply for Singapore, PUB said.

The agency highlighted that it recognizes the crucial role of businesses and industries in ensuring long-term water sustainability and has been working closely with non-domestic users to reduce their water demand.

PUB also said it offers technical support to help companies identify water-saving opportunities and match them with technology providers.

The agency announced plans to require water recycling requirements on new projects in the wafer fabrication, electronics and biomedical sectors from January 2024.

Singapore is projected to achieve an additional 40 million litres of water saving daily from 2035, it said.

Water conservation is becoming an integral part of companies' operations and business sustainability strategy, said Ridzuan Ismail, director of PUB's water supply network department.

By implementing water recycling and water-efficient systems, companies can decrease their water demand, achieve cost savings, and increase their long-term competitiveness and resource resilience. In addition, this will ensure sustainable growth in Singapore's long-term water demand. The WEF changes were another step that PUB is taking to not only support companies in their water conservation efforts but also safeguard Singapore's water future, he said.